On the arbitrary detention of EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta in Equatorial Guinea

B100439/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the arbitrary detention of EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta in Equatorial Guinea

(2025/2904(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to previous resolutions on Equatorial Guinea,

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

whereas since 1979 Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by the regime of Teodoro Obiang Nguema, widely considered an authoritarian dictatorship characterised by serious violations of human rights;

whereas international organizations and NGOs have consistently reported on breaches of human rights, including arbitrary detention and imprisonment including of foreign nationals, life threatening conditions in prisons and detention facilities, violence against and torture of detainees;

whereas the country’s judiciary is widely considered subordinated to the regime;

whereas the EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta have been arrested and detained since 22 January 2025, currently in Black Beach prison, known for its inhumane conditions;

whereas both detainees have reportedly been held in poor conditions, including unjustified isolation and very difficult access to consular protection, legal assistance and contact with family;

whereas there are accounts of a serious deterioration of their health, particularly in the case of Mr. Montero, as a result of the prolonged hunger strike;

whereas the Spanish authorities have been closely following their case, including contacts at all levels with the Equatorial Guinean authorities, to ensure that the detainees are provided with consular protection and to demand appropriate access to legal and medical assistance and to their family members, and to ensure full respect and protection of the detainees’ human rights;

Strongly condemns the repeated cases of unacceptable detention conditions and ill-treatment of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea, considering them to be a clear violation of international human rights law; expresses its deep concern about the detention and the physical and mental state of the detainees Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta;

Urges the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to take immediate and unconditional measures to ensure the wellbeing of Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta and respect of their rights, including right to fair trails, access to urgent medical care, adequate sanitary and food conditions, legal advice and representation, consular assistance, and support of their families.

Stresses that arbitrary arrests and detentions damage the country’s reputation, deter international investment and cooperation, and may have detrimental impacts on relations with the EU;

Reminds the authorities of Equatorial Guinea that any EU engagement in international cooperation is based on respect for clear criteria regarding respect for human rights and judicial accountability;

Urges, the EEAS and Spanish authorities to continue using all diplomatic channels in order to improve the condition of the two detainees and prevent similar cases in the future;

Calls on the EEAS, and the Member States to cooperate closely to strengthen the protection of EU citizens operating in the areas of instability;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the HR/VP, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the African Union, and the Government of Equatorial Guinea.